Jessie and Darla

Jessie did quite a bit of homework with Jennifer today. She also painted window clings and took a nap. I went and got a pedicure, shopped at Bath and Body, Big Lots, grabbed a McDonald's lunch then picked up vitamins at the eye dr. When I got home, Jessie took everything out of the bags. She also wanted Darla to smell the nice candle (lid) I had bought:

Darla takes a few sniffs.

Darla has had enough!

I just love the way Jessie can get excited about the most simple things. She found her elf hat yesterday and wanted me to sing along. "Ho ho ho, ho ho ho, we are Santa's Elves!" 

 

A Quiet Sunday

Since Jon was on-call this weekend, and due to a day shift nurse testing positive for COVID and getting that news as she was in the parking lot ready to go in, he had to work again today. Unfortunately, several residents and staff members have tested positive. Thankfully, Jon's test was negative. However, the stress level was high. The positive residents were all sent to a COVID hub within the company. Positive staff members were either already home or sent home. 

Tomorrow will mark one year of perfect attendance for Jon. That's just incredible. Not many people can say that they went to work every day they were scheduled. Congratulations, Jon !!! You're my hero!

Jess listened and I watched church at 10:00. I miss being there. We went for a very quick drive to Ruth's to give her and Lois the homemade turkey vegetable and stuffing soup I made last night for dinner. Jess also helped me finish decorating my side of the Christmas tree. I watched another Hallmark Christmas movie and after Jon got home I went to Marcus Grill for a take-out dinner. Jess just woke up from a 2 hour nap and I believe Jon is ready to go to bed. So I guess Sunday is a wrap!

Get This Girl Out Of The House !!!

After breakfast and giving Jessie a bath, I did a load of wash then Jess and I picked up Lois and we drove down the road! We began at the post office, then on to the bank, Walgreen's, Arby's for a drive thru lunch then Lois went into Michael's while we waited in the van. Next and last was Home Depot. Jessie's favorite place. Can you believe it? She loves all the blow ups and Christmas trees. 

Since Home Depot is such a large store, I pushed Jess in her transport chair. As we went by a large bin of stuffed, musical toys she grabbed Mickey Mouse. He sings "We Wish You A Merry Christmas"! So, she bought herself an early Christmas present! The 3 of us had a fun couple hours out in the beautiful sunshiny day. 

Today was Jon's day off but because he's a Mentor he's in charge several times a month and has to cover if there isn't enough staff. Today is one of those days. He worked from 3:30 - 9:30. Let's hope he doesn't have to do this tomorrow. 

Happy Thanksgiving and the Day After

Thanksgiving Day was quiet during the day. Jon worked and Jess was on her iPad after we watched the Parade while eating breakfast. When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of my Mom who always watched the parades in the morning. I rarely did and don't now, but Jessie likes them so I turn them on. We were watching for our friend, Jean, who was one of the Grand Marshall's balloon handler. There was an up close picture of her for about a half second! 

I did quite a bit of odds and ends around the house in preparation of dinner. I even did a load of wash and managed to watch a Hallmark movie, "A Timeless Christmas", which was pretty good. 

When Jon got home and Jean arrived, we had a nice turkey dinner. Jess and Jennifer made pumpkin pie the day before and Lois and Ruth shared half Achatz pies they had purchased: pumpkin cheese cake pie and cherry pie. 

For many people Thanksgiving was very different because of the pandemic. However, not for us, as it usually is only the 3 of us as Diane and Randie always celebrated with Randie's family. It was different for them because it was just the 2 of them.

Today, Friday, didn't go as planned. Lois and I were going to go to Joann Fabrics but my day changed when Jon ran back up stairs just before he left for work (6:00 a.m.) and told me that "we have a BIG problem!" Water was pouring through the ceiling in the family room dining room. Yup, he was right. It was a mess. He shut off the toilet upstairs thinking it might be that, which turned out to be correct. 

I moved the table and chairs, put large towels on the floor, moved one filing cabinet and my neighbor, Derrick, moved the heavier ones for me. 

After waiting for a plumbing company to arrive (3 hours after my first call) and having trouble locating the leak, the plumber finally decided to look at the toilet upstairs and found a crack in the tank. While he was ripping out the wet drywall, I was placing the wet, yucky stuff in bags and getting them outside. Dry drywall is crappy to work with. Wet drywall is nasty! Plus much heavier. 

We can't get a new toilet until next week because it's small and Bill built a shelf over the toilet tank that extends from the sink. I hope they still make those kind. If not, there goes the shelf!

What a mess. However, I'm so grateful that it didn't happen yesterday. Thank you, Jesus!

Jessie had a wonderful day with Rachel. It began with a Panera Bread drive thru breakfast eaten at the duck park then a drive around Stony Creek. Jessie made a Christmas Wish list, a felt monkey craft, baked Elf sugar cookies, decorated half of the Christmas tree (the other half is for my ornaments) then decorated a gingerbread house. 

Like I said, she had a great day!

Oh, My What A Day!

Jennifer and Jessie had a very busy day. Right after breakfast I left to take Lois to a doctor's appointment and they made a pumpkin pie and worked on my Christmas present. Jess also made a felt turkey to put on top of her Thankful tree and a felt frog craft.

Lois and I got Wendy's and "ate with the goats". There were white turkeys and guinea hens in a pen, too, that I've not seen before. A trip to the post office then I took Lois back to her sisters. 

As soon as I got home I began getting things out of the Christmas closet and putting away more of the Harvest decorations. Jennifer helped me lift the turkey into a pan and put it in the oven for me. I decided to cook it today so tomorrow will be less work. We just had hot dogs and beans for dinner so I was able to debone the turkey and get it in the fridge. 

I'm pooped. As of this minute I have walked 9,556 steps! No wonder I'm tired. I'll see what it is when I climb into bed at midnight. 

Back To Eating With The Goats

Jane was with Jessie and beside playing numerous games throughout the day, they went to Wendy's drive thru and took their lunch to "eat with the goats". Apparently the goats had just been fed, too, and Jane mentioned that one of the goats was really nasty to others. I knew right away which one she was talking about! He's not nice when he's not eating.

Jon had a dental appointment and went Christmas shopping. I cleaned the upstairs bathroom, dusted my bedroom and vacuumed. Oh, yes, two loads of wash, too. It took me hours because I had to keep resting my back. At least it got done. Jon brought in the family room tree and set it up for us. I'm sure it'll take us a week to get it decorated. 

I also read an entire Christmas book by Melody Carlson. It was only 175 pages, unlike the other 4 I just finished that were over 450 pages each! Diane asked me how many books I've read this year. I told her about 40-50. I DO like to read. I enjoy recommending books and lending them to others to read. I do this on a regular basis. I have hundreds of books even though I've purged some that weren't that great last year. 

 

Sunday and Monday

Sometimes I forget to blog. Other times I don't feel like it. I guess it really doesn't matter since this blog and the book to follow are mainly for me.

Jon worked yesterday. I watched a Hallmark movie in the afternoon after watching church on FB. While I was in the other room, Jessie decided to clean out one of her drawers in the dining room and spread it out over the floor. It was a mess but she enjoyed herself.

Jon and I went to Kroger's after breakfast today to get some things I think we'd need before next week because I'm certainly not going shopping on Friday or the weekend! There weren't as many in Kroger's as I expected. Jon said the shelves were stocked better than last week when he went. 

I put away 98% of the Harvest decorations in order to make way for the Christmas decorations. Jon will put up the family room tree tomorrow and we'll decorate it when we get a chance. Maybe this weekend. 

Jennifer took Jessie to visit Brent for a half hour and took him a Thanksgiving craft. They were both excited to see each other. Jessie has been so much happier since she got to go out and see Brent. That made her day. I told Jennifer to take her through McDonald's to get her a pop, too, which REALLY made her happy!  

Saturday

Just Jess and me since Jon worked. I did 5 loads of wash and began removing Harvest decorations. I'll have Jon put up the large family room tree on Monday and I can then slowly decorate for Christmas. Jessie played on her iPad most of the day. I ordered Christmas items from Kohl's and when Jon got home I went and picked them up. It's nice to order on-line and have them bring your items to the van for you. Jessie was so bored today that she went with me to Kohl's, something that I didn't anticipate. I guess I better go put the 5 loads of folded clothes away and get Jess ready for bed. Not that she will want to, though.

Thursday and Friday

Jon had yesterday and today off. It was nice having him around the house. He finished cleaning up the garage so we can park one of the vans in there when the weather finally turns wintery. He also went grocery shopping for us yesterday at Kroger's and Vince and Joe's. Jessie was ecstatic to be able to empty all the bags and see all the stuff he brought home. (Jon said Kroger shelves were bare and pretty picked over, just like months ago at the beginning of the pandemic.)

Yesterday Jess had "Speech" and today Jennifer was with her. Once again she slept for 2 hours right after
breakfast.

I picked up Lois and took her for a medical test. We ate a Wendy's lunch in the parking lot then went to The Christmas Tree Shoppe and went to the post office.

It was 60 degrees and the deck warmed up really nice. Jess went outside swinging and I tried to take a nap on the deck. My mind wouldn't shut down but it was nice just to sit still for awhile. We had Walleye for dinner, mac and cheese and air fried plantain. Another good meal, if I do say so myself.   

A Ride In The Van

While I was at Bible Study this morning, Jessie and Jennifer were supposed to be working on my Christmas present. However, Jessie slept for 2 hours and woke up just before I picked them up after study and going to the post office! We went to Walgreen's, then ordered take out from Marcus Grill and ate at the "duck park". From there I tried to take a bag to Salvation Army, but missed the collection time by 15 minutes. We drove down to Sterling Heights and dropped off 5 large garbage bags of pop cans to Play Place. Jess used to go there quite a bit. It's for autistic and special needs children/adults. 

Cleaning

Jane wasn't able to come today because her grandson woke up sick yesterday after visiting on Sunday. We're just being extra cautious.

That left just Jess and me today so I decided we'd clean the house. The Merry Maids were supposed to clean today but I cancelled them at least for a month. Unfortunately, we only got the front living room and kitchen done. Jessie dusted and I vacuumed. Jessie also used the small vacuum cleaner and took care of Darla's bed. She did a really good job. Why didn't we get more done? My back. Vacuuming and bending over are 2 things I really shouldn't do. But I tried. I did manage to do 2 loads of laundry.

Jess and I also went out for a bit in the afternoon. I had mail to drop off at the post office, we went to the bank, Walgreen's and got a drive-thru McDonald's lunch and ate in TJ Max's parking lot. 

Jessie is having a really hard time since we've cut out all her community interactions. No more eating in restaurants. No more Art with Brent. No more swimming with Jane. No more shopping at Target or Debby's Dollar. We told her that people are getting sick again and that we don't want to get sick either.

Jessie believes in prayer. Unfortunately, I guess, is the fact that she believes that as soon as she prays for someone to get better, that they are immediately well! It is hard for her to understand that it takes time, sometimes, for people to get well. She's had several break downs today. We've also prayed for people to get better multiple times today. She did much better in March when we were shut down, but I think it was because she had scratched her cornea and she wasn't well for awhile. 

Monday

Jess went to bed last night around 10:30 and slept until 8:30 a.m., which is unusual. Then immediately following breakfast with Jennifer she slept for almost 2 hours. At 8:15 p.m. tonight, she wanted to go to bed! That's where she is right now. She doesn't appear sick. Just tired. She does go through these tired spurts every once in awhile.

Jessie did a lot of homework after she woke up. She also did mosaic sticky pictures. She does really well with those. I'll have to take a picture of them and post. 

I did quite a bit of paperwork again. Got clothes ready to go to Salvation Army. That's about it. I guess I'll close this down and go upstairs with Jess and read for awhile. I have 3 1/2 hours until it's my bedtime!

 

A Very Blustery Day

I didn't get up until 9:30 this morning. Jessie was already up, dressed and watching her videos in her room. When we got downstairs, Jon had the table set for breakfast and was just beginning to cook the eggs. I haven't eaten egg yolks (in plain eggs) in over 3 years. Today was an experiment to see how it would affect me. (It seemed OK. I'll try them again.) We had sausages and bakery scones to go along with the scrambled eggs. It was such a treat, eating breakfast together. We only do that on holidays. 

Since I did two days worth of work yesterday, I decided not to do anything today. I read and even took a short nap. The weather outside was pretty scary at times. We had thunder, a bit of lightning, rain and heavy winds at one time in the afternoon. So much so that Jess looked at me and I said, "Let's go in the closet".  She got up right away and ran to the closet. Darla snuggled next to me and was shaking. We weren't in there long, but it reminded me of the wind sheer storm of Labor Day 2019. That was terrifying.

The Governor shut down the State again for 3 weeks. Jessie is having a hard time knowing that she can't go out like she had been. No outside activities for Jessie. Here we go again!

A Very Productive and Busy Day

After my shower this morning I gave Jess a bath. We (the 3 of us) had breakfast, I put in 2 loads of wash, I cleaned the downstairs bathroom and rested for a half hour. We left to go to the post office around 12:30 then got lunch at Wendy's and ate with the goats. Jessie pulled out all the shoes and stuff from the coat closet and I washed fall coats and prepared for winter.  Boots and gloves are ready, as well as our heaviest coats. 

Jessie has been crabby this afternoon. She is hollering because it's not raining outside. She wants her iPad NOW (the battery died and it is plugged in). She doesn't like me typing on the computer and is hollering at me to STOP! She yelled at me because she got an ice cream sandwich instead of a "big" bowl of ice cream. She insisted that she was going to eat her dinner on the couch. When I told her she couldn't, she fell asleep. I told Jon that was her way of getting what she wanted. She knew we'd eat while she slept then she could eat alone on the couch. After an hour, she woke up and yelled: "EAT HERE!" I pick my battles with her. However, tonight I'm just very tired of her crabbiness.

The COVID numbers are going up in Michigan. There have been 2 positive COVID tests at Jon's work among the staff, although the people are asymptomatic. Jessie is also not happy that we aren't letting her go swimming, shopping at Target or Debby's Dollar for awhile. This could be why she's so crabby. She's also hollering because we aren't going to church for awhile (it's too crowded) and eat out afterwards! I think I'll go get ear plugs.

Shopping

While Jennifer and Jessie went out to breakfast, I quickly ate 2 frozen (dry) waffles and went to Meijer's. Since I've lost 40 pounds, I need a new winter coat. I haven't been in Meijer for months, and I don't plan on going back any time too soon! There were no coats that fit or were something I'd wear. I needed a new large 2021 calendar and I did find that. When it came time to check out, I was surprised at each long line. There were only a few lines open and very long lines in each one. According to the check out woman, no one wants to work. 

I met my cousin, Linda, for lunch in Chesterfield at Applebee's. We had a nice chat and the steak quesadilla I had was really good. When we finished, I went across the street to JC Penney's and found a coat! It's still there. It was $200.00 so I decided I didn't really need a coat THAT bad. Around the corner at Kohl's I did find a nice coat for much less. It was regularly $100.00 on sale for $89.99. I had a 30% off coupon and a $5.00 coupon. I did really well! However, it took me 20 minutes to get to the front of the line. You'd think Christmas was tomorrow! I guess everyone is afraid that our illustrious Governor is going to shut us down again due to the rising COVID cases. 

Gyros For Dinner

Tonight's dinner was gyro sandwiches. I spent about 5 minutes frying up the meat. I took the ready-made macaroni salad out of the refrigerator. It took longer to set the table. What kind of reaction did I get from Jessie? She kept saying "MMMMM"  "MMMMMM", and she even clapped her hands in excitement because it tasted so good. Seriously? I don't get this kind of reaction when I spend hours on the dinner! Jon, as always, thanked me for a good dinner. Even before Bill passed away Jon would always thank me for a good dinner. He was the only one. 

Jess and I had a good and busy day. I dropped her off at her "Speech" class, went to the bank for an appointment, picked up mail for Ruth and took it to the post office. Went home to get some boxes for Friends of Foster Kids and picked up Jessie. We went to Walgreen's for prescriptions, Kroger's for gas, Leo's for lunch and dropped off the boxes for the Foster Kids. We were gone 3 hours.

The deck was nice and warm when we got home so I spent about an hour outside reading. Two loads of wash got done and folder and I began cleaning off the counter in the family room. I have to get ready for Christmas decorations. Maybe I'll put away the Harvest stuff on Saturday and get the Christmas stuff out a little at a time. It just doesn't seem possible that Thanksgiving is a week and a half away and Christmas a month after. I better get out my list and see what I have to buy yet. 

No More Summer Weather

It was a bright sunshiny day, but only in the 50's. Can't beat that, though, for November 11. 

Jessie and Jennifer were home all day and worked on art projects and went outside for awhile.

Jon had to work. I went to Bible Study and had lunch at home with Jess and Jennifer on the deck. The thermometer read over 120 degrees (it was sitting in the sun!). It was NOT that hot. I had a once-a-year appointment with the allergist in the afternoon. I'm going to try to reintroduce egg yolks to my diet. We'll see what happens. I hope I can eat them again, as I've missed egg yolks. 

 

Indian Summer Day 8

Even though it reached 75 degrees, it didn't feel as warm as yesterday because the sun didn't shine all day. It was cloudy and a bit breezy. However, 75 IS 75, whether or not it feels like it. 

I went to Vince and Joe's for some fruits and veggies after a quick breakfast. Jon went with me to have lunch with my cousin, Karen, in Richmond. We had a really nice lunch and time together. 

Jessie and Jane went to the pool and "swam" for about 45 minutes. She's having a really good time on Tuesday's with Jane. They bought lunch at Pita Pit then took it to the "duck park" and ate it there. Debby's Dollar was next and someone paid for Jessie's order! That was very nice of that person. 

Time to get Jessie upstairs for a bath and then have a last-minute snack before bed. It was nice having Jon home for 2 days. He's back to work for the next 3 days.

Indian Summer Day 7

Another wonderful day in the 70's. It began with breakfast out with Jon, banking and going to his work so he could get a COVID test. The numbers have risen in Macomb County, so his work has ordered each employee to have 2 COVID tests a week, rather than just one. Today was one of the days and since he had it off, he needed to go and get one. It was a fast in and out. I barely got half a page read in the book I brought!

As soon as we got home, we went outside and began yard clean up. A lot of leaves have fallen in just 2 days. Jon used the leaf blower and rake. I picked them all up and put the leaves in bags. We did both front and back yards. That was enough for me. Unfortunately, I had to take some pain medicine and sit for awhile on the deck. That was OK, though. I read in my book.

We decided that we'd have a fire in the fire pit and roast hot dogs for dinner. I made mac and cheese to go with it along with some chips. Ice cream for dessert. That was so nice! Our first fire in many years. We'll do it again tomorrow for dinner since it's supposed to be 77 degrees. Not sure what we'll have, but I'll come up with something.

Indian Summer Day 6

Jon worked and Jess and I went to church. Lunch was at Marcus Grill. Jessie talked for days about having a Chicken Quesadilla. So, that's what we both had, bringing home half of our meals for dinner. I bought Jon a Lobster Swiss Omelet (his favorite) for dinner.

Since Jessie was occupied on her iPad, I read throughout the day, as well 3 hours of checkbook work. I used the table on the deck. It was so nice out there. We are projected to have 2 more days of 70 degree weather. This has been the longest warm days in November I can remember. There were a couple days many years ago way before Bill passed away that I remember putting up outside Christmas lights Thanksgiving weekend and it must have been in the 60's, because we didn't wear coats. That's what I remember.

In thinking about the recent US Presidential Elections, this is what I count on: God IS in control. Even if it doesn't look like it. Praise His Holy Name.

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness.
Let the whole world know what He has done.
Psalm 105:1

God is in control, and therefore in everything I can give thanks -

not because of the situation but because of the One who directs and rules over it.

Kay Arthur

Indian Summer Day 4 and 5

Yesterday, Friday, was as busy as today was, only a little different. I went to breakfast with Jessie and Jennifer then went to Kroger's. I bought items for us, Lois and Jessie. It reminded me of the days I used to shop for us, my mom, Bill's mom, and sometimes Lois. Keeping track of it all in one grocery cart is a challenge. 

At 1:00 I met Chris and Bill's cousin Joyce and her husband at a restaurant for lunch. We haven't seen them in almost a year. They go to Georgia for the winter, but they won't this year because Habitat For Humanity isn't using volunteers this year due to the COVID.  When I left, I went to the post office and Kohl's to return an order. I ordered Jessie a pair of swim pants in one size and they sent another. Back to on-line ordering again and another pick up.

When I finished checking my e-mail last night, I shut down the computer and didn't remember that I needed to blog until later. I just didn't feel like going back to the computer. 

Today, Saturday, was just as nice a weather day as yesterday. I think it was 73 degrees yesterday and almost there today. However, I spent 2 1/2 hours in the back yard and it felt like it was in the 80's! Bright sunshine. Shorts. Sandals. Love this weather. 

Rachel came and she helped me in the back yard. It looks almost ready for winter. Maybe a little more work tomorrow after church. If not, Monday and Tuesday is supposed to be just as nice. Jon has those days off, so maybe I'll help him get stuff done, too. 

I kept checking on Jessie while we were outside. She refused to go on the deck where I could see her. She was either on the floor with her iPad and cards or the couch with her iPad and tiles. 

The other day I had Jon take off the screen door to the deck. No sense having it on and in the way. Poor Jessie. She keeps looking at where the door was and told Jon to: "Fix it!". Well, it has been on there forever. 

Indian Summer Day 3

 It was warm, but gloomy and windy. Not as nice as yesterday, but still OK for November!

Jon, Jess and I went to Leo's Coney Island for breakfast. Jess and I came home and Jon went to Target and filled up his jeep with gas. A lot of odds and ends were done today, plus "Speech" for Jessie. She's been pretty good most of the day until just a short while ago when she demanded her snack "NOW!" And, that's not going to happen. She is soooo fixated on food. The first thing she wants to know as soon as she gets up is what we're having for dinner. Like, I know? Then where she's going to eat lunch. Home most of the time isn't what she wants to hear. 

Indian Summer Day 2

I left the house this morning with capris and sandals (among my other clothes, of course). The last time I checked The Weather Channel in the afternoon it was 71 degrees. What a great weather day. After Bible Study I picked up Jon and we went out to lunch, Walgreen's and the post office. When we got home, I vacuumed both vans and straightened them. Then I worked on cleaning out the garage so we can park in there for the winter. Jon had worked in there in the morning and it's almost done.

Jess and Jennifer worked on a Christmas present for me. Jon and I stayed up until 1:00 a.m. last night to watch the Presidential elections and he took today off. Unfortunately, he doesn't feel well. He's not sure if it's his RA or something else is going on. It's hard to watch your child (no matter their age) suffer each day with pain and sickness. 

The deck warmed up so well today that even though it was dark, we ate dinner out there. I made chicken quesadillas and Jessie was very happy. Her and her chicken! I do have to admit they were good.

Indian Summer

I think Indian Summer is here. It was so nice that Jane and Jessie were outside for almost an hour this
morning, swinging and playing games. The rest of the day was spent doing puzzles and playing several table games. We ate on the deck since it was so warm. I even had to open a couple windows because it was too hot in there! Perfect. 

I had planned on doing paperwork, but got involved in cleaning and putting away stuff in the laundry room/Jon's office. Several loads of wash were done, too. I did take advantage of the nice day and sat on the deck for about an hour reading. I am so blessed.  

Sunday and Monday

Sunday Jess and I went to church then picked Jon up and went to Marcus Grill for lunch. When we got home we did our own thing, as we usually do: all of us on our iPads, and me reading, too. Chris came over for awhile. I was off the afternoon with time. One of our clocks didn't get changed and that was the one I look at for Jessie's snack. I decided I'd give her an early snack, only realizing later that it was actually 1 1/2 hours too early! That messed up the rest of the day regarding eating. 

Today, Monday, Jessie and Jennifer met Brent, his aide and mom at a local church to have Art. Since the MTRC is not having Adaptive Art until next year, Jennifer offered to organize art projects for Jessie and Brent. We just needed a place to go. They had been meeting at the duck park and doing art on a picnic table but it's much too cold now to meet outside. Diane secured a church for us. Jen said it went really well and both Brent and Jessie had a good time. Then they all went to Leo's Coney Island for lunch. It was the first time Brent and his family had been out to a restaurant since March. 

Joyce picked me up 11:00 and we went to Bahama Breeze for lunch then we had planned on going to a "craft" store in Clawson. Unfortunately, it was closed on Monday's! Bummer. Instead we went to Leon and Lulu's store instead, which was OK with me. I like that store. I got a couple Christmas presents and a new purse for Jessie. Still a successful day.